Hampshire & Somerset To Play In 2011 Caribbean T20

Hampshire & Somerset To Play In 2011 Caribbean T20

The Caribbean T20 Trophy

©WICB

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have confirmed that Hampshire and Somerset have both accepted invitations to participate in the 2011 Caribbean Twenty20 in January.

Antigua and Barbados will host the competition, which will also involve reigning champions Guyana as well as Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Windwards Islands and the Combined Campuses & Colleges team.

Hampshire and Somerset earned their invitations by reaching the final of the 2010 Friends Provident t20, which was won in dramatic fashion by Hampshire - on wickets remaining after the scores were tied.

"The WICB is delighted to have again partnered with the ECB on this progressive initiative," Ernest Hilaire, West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) chief executive said.

"The participation of the two top Friends Provident t20 teams in CT20 will certainly enhance the Tournament and heighten the excitement. We look forward to keen contests between our Caribbean teams and Hampshire and Somerset and look forward to welcoming English fans to the fun and excitement of Caribbean style T20 cricket."

Steve Elworthy, ECB Director of Marketing & Communications, added: "The Caribbean T20 rewards Hampshire Royals and Somerset for their hard work throughout the 2010 Friends Provident t20 campaign and provides an excellent opportunity for both teams to experience playing in a different environment and test themselves against strong opposition. I would like to thank the West Indies Cricket Board for extending the invitation to both teams and wish them all the very best for what I'm sure will be a memorable fortnight of cricket for all involved."

The 2011 Caribbean T20 is scheduled to run from 10th to 23rd January.

© Cricket World 2010